Why do women discharge

Abnormal discharge may also be a side effect of douching. Douching is cleaning the inside of the vagina with water or other products. Douching is not necessary for a woman and may actually cause infection.

It can interfere with the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. One in 4 women in the United States between ages 15 and 44 douche. It is not recommended by doctors. Douching is linked to infections, STDs, and even fertility problems.

Abnormal vaginal discharge is not a symptom of one single infection or health condition. Your doctor will need to review your symptoms and may conduct tests to determine the cause of unusual vaginal discharge. If you have a yeast infection, your doctor will prescribe an antifungal medicine in pill or cream form.

Other conditions, like trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis, may require an antibiotic in addition to other treatments. STDs should be treated with antibiotics. Read more: Home remedies for vaginal yeast infections ». You may notice your discharge changes throughout your menstrual cycle and over the years.

There can also be changes in your vaginal discharge that may be symptoms of an infection or other health condition and should be checked by your doctor immediately. Vaginal discharge is most often a normal and common occurrence. Some types of discharge, however, could signal something more serious. Learn about…. Yeast or a bacterial infection usually causes abnormal discharge. If you notice any discharge that looks unusual or smells foul, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

There are several different types of vaginal discharge. These types are categorized based on their color and consistency. Some types of discharge are normal. Others may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.

A bit of white discharge, especially at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle, is normal. This type of discharge may be a sign of a yeast infection. A clear and watery discharge is perfectly normal. It can occur at any time of the month. It may be especially heavy after exercise. When discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery, it indicates that you are likely ovulating.

This is a normal type of discharge. Brown or bloody discharge is usually normal, especially when it occurs during or right after your menstrual cycle.

A late discharge at the end of your period can look brown instead of red. You may also experience a small amount of bloody discharge between periods.

This is called spotting. Spotting during an early phase of pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage , so it should be discussed with your OB-GYN. In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can be a sign of endometrial or cervical cancer. It could be other problems such as fibroids or other abnormal growths. Your gynecologist will check for cervical abnormalities during these procedures.

This type of discharge may be a sign of the infection trichomoniasis. Increased androgen levels can:. Not everyone with PCOS will have increased vaginal discharge. Paying attention to other PCOS symptoms may help someone identify and seek treatment for the condition faster.

Hormonal birth control , such as birth control pills and intrauterine devices, can also cause increased vaginal discharge, especially during the first few months of use. Excess vaginal discharge and other symptoms, such as spotting and cramping, usually resolve once the body adjusts to the hormonal birth control. Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina, which can occur from an infection or irritation due to factors such as douches, lubricants, and ill-fitting clothing.

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that results from an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This vaginal infection is the most common among females aged 15—44 years. The exact cause of bacterial vaginosis remains unclear. Females can develop bacterial vaginosis after sexual intercourse.

However, this condition is not a sexually transmitted infection STI. Some also report a strong, fishy vaginal odor, especially after sexual intercourse. Vaginal yeast infections result from an overgrowth of the Candida fungus.

The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is an intense itching in the vagina and vulva. Vaginal yeast infections can also cause an odorless vaginal discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese. Vaginal yeast infections are treatable at home using over-the-counter antifungal ointments.

Symptoms should improve within a few days. However, severe infections can last longer and may require medical treatment. Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a parasite. Females can develop trichomoniasis after having sex with someone who has the parasite. Although most people who have trichomoniasis do not experience symptoms , some may have an itching or burning sensation in the genital area. Trichomoniasis infections can also cause excess vaginal discharge that has a foul or fishy odor and a white, yellow, or green color.

It may also be thinner than usual. Healthy vaginal discharge varies from person to person. It also changes throughout their menstrual cycle. In general, healthy vaginal discharge can appear thin and watery or thick and cloudy. Page last reviewed: 25 January Next review due: 25 January Vaginal discharge. Check if your vaginal discharge is normal Vaginal discharge is not usually anything to worry about if it: does not have a strong or unpleasant smell is clear or white is thick and sticky is slippery and wet You can get vaginal discharge at any age.

When vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection If your discharge changes — for example, in smell, colour or texture — it might be a sign of an infection. Possible causes Discharge Possible cause Smells fishy Bacterial vaginosis Thick and white, like cottage cheese Thrush Green, yellow or frothy Trichomoniasis With pelvic pain or bleeding Chlamydia or gonorrhoea With blisters or sores Genital herpes.